Need help? Ask Izzy
If you’re facing a crisis, Ask Izzy is a website that connects people in need with housing, a meal, money help, family violence support, counselling and much more.
It is free and anonymous, with thousands of services listed across Australia.
And if you’re on the Telstra or Vodafone mobile networks, you can access Ask Izzy on your phone even if you don’t have credit or access to wifi.
Housing help
Help with homelessness
Link2home is the NSW statewide homelessness information and referral telephone service. It is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, every day of the year. You can call Link2home on 1800 152 152.
Link2home can provide information, assessments and referrals to homelessness support and accommodation services in NSW everyday from 9am to 10pm.
From 10pm to 9am, Link2home will only provide information and assessments. Referral to accommodation and support services is not possible during these hours. It will refer people to emergency services if needed.
Community housing: eligibility and how to apply
Social housing is for people on very low or low incomes who can’t afford to rent. If you meet the income eligibility limits you can apply online (and see information about waitlists, process and how people are chosen from the list when a place becomes available). Both CHPs and Homes NSW draw their social tenants from this list.
Affordable housing is for people on a broader range of incomes and eligibility varies depending on the provider and other factors. Eligibility requirements apply for accommodation delivered under the Housing SEPP or with government assistance. Local council schemes may have different eligibility requirements. You’ll need to apply via the housing provider. You can find your local provider via the register of CHPs.
General housing help from DCJ
The Housing Response Centre is a general helpline run by Homes NSW that you can call on 1800 422 322. It can help anyone requiring housing assistance, for example with:
• Existing Housing NSW tenant queries
• Housing Pathways enquiries (housing waiting list)
• Private tenancy rental assistance including Rentstart (Bond Loan, Advance Rent, Temporary Accommodation and Tenancy Assistance) Private Rental Brokerage Service and more
Issues and complaints
If you’re not happy with your rental situation, you have a number of options.
• You should start by talking to your provider and following their complaints process if necessary.
• If you’re unhappy with a decision made by a social housing provider (public housing or community housing) you can call the Housing Appeals Committee .
• You can also complain to the Registrar of Community Housing, an independent statutory officer responsible for regulating the Community Housing sector.
• If your landlord has breached your lease agreement or the Residential Tenancies Act (e.g. repairs, termination, rental bonds) you can challenge that via the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal.
Renters requiring information, advice or advocacy can get help from the Tenants Advice & Advocacy Services You can find your local service on the Tenants’ Union of NSW website (scroll down this page).